Four Arctic Islands: Spitsbergen, Jan Mayen, Greenland and Iceland

Spitsbergen Cruises

Starting from $10,995

This adventure takes you to Spitsbergen, renowned for its stunning scenery and abundant, varied wildlife. Sail south to the mysterious Jan Mayen, a nature reserve so remote that few before have been fortunate to explore it. Then venture to Greenland’s east coast, cruising deep into Scoresbysund to discover the world’s largest fjord system and icebergs larger than you could ever imagine. Finally, sail to Reykjavik, where you can soak up Icelandic culture in a city that never sleeps.

Itinerary

Your arctic adventure begins in Oslo, where you may arrive at any time during Day 1 of your itinerary. Upon arriving in this splendid capital city, known for its green spaces and museums, you will check into your included airport hotel.

Day 2: Embarkation Day in Longyearbyen, Svalbard

This morning, the group will transfer to the airport and board our private charter flight to Longyearbyen, Spitsbergen’s largest settlement. As you embark this afternoon, you’ll enjoy great views of the mountainous landscape that serves as a backdrop for this seaside town.

Days 3-6: Exploring Spitsbergen

Exploring Spitsbergen, the largest island in the Norwegian Svalbard archipelago, rewards you with abundant wildlife and austere beauty. Here, you’ll visit spectacular glacier fronts and steep-walled fjords, with walrus, polar bears and Svalbard reindeer amongst your possible wildlife sightings. Birders will be thrilled to see arctic terns, skuas, long-tailed ducks, kittiwakes and ivory gulls. If conditions permit, you could sail within 10 degrees of the North Pole!

Days 7-8: At Sea

While sailing south through the historic Greenland Sea toward Jan Mayen, your Expedition Team will keep you informed with presentations about the storied history and politics of the Arctic, its fascinating wildlife, geology, ecology and climate, and the incredible sights you will soon explore. On deck, you’ll learn to identify seabirds “on the wing.” The team will also keep a lookout for the whales that frequent the waters here.

Days 9-10: Exploring Jan Mayen

North of the Arctic Circle, about 280 miles (450 km) east of Greenland and 340 miles (550 km) north of Iceland, is the mysterious Jan Mayen, deep in the North Atlantic Ocean. Often shrouded in thick fog, the small mountainous island was declared a nature reserve in 2010 and is rarely visited, save for the 18 rotating personnel of the Norwegian military and Norwegian Meteorological Institute, who are the only inhabitants. Landing here will be dictated by the weather and sea. If conditions allow, as we approach, keep watch on deck as the spoon-shaped island’s highest summit emerges. At 7,470 feet (2,277 meters) high, the breathtaking Beerenberg volcano features a symmetrical cone shape and impressive glaciers that spill into the sea. If we’re fortunate, we may get a close-up view of the volcano and the stratified cliffs of the spectacular north coast as we Zodiac cruise around the island, searching for wildlife. Designated an Important Bird Area by BirdLife International for the large numbers of breeding seabirds, Jan Mayen supports colonies of northern fulmars, little auks, glaucous gulls, kittiwakes, and black and Brünnich’s guillemots (thick-billed murres).

Days 11-15: Exploring Scoresbysund, Greenland

Your tour of Scoresbysund—the largest, deepest and, some say, most beautiful multi-armed fjord system in the world— will offer plenty of opportunities to explore ashore or by Zodiac cruise. At one moment you’ll be stepping back in time, exploring the remains of ancient Thule settlements with views of icebergs and towering mountains rising straight out of the sea, and the next you’ll be immersed in contemporary culture, meeting the locals and gaining an appreciation for their way of life in Ittoqqortoormiit, Greenland’s most remote community. At the mouth of the sound, this remote settlement boasts a blend of traditional and modern lifestyles and is actually closer to Iceland than it is to its nearest Greenlandic neighbors to the southwest. Here, you’ll have the chance to support local Inuit artisans by purchasing unique handicrafts. In terms of wildlife, grazing muskoxen are a possible sight, as 40 percent of the world’s muskoxen population lives in this region. Polar bear sightings are also a remote possibility, as are encounters with more elusive arctic wildlife, such as the arctic hare. Seabirds to watch out for nesting atop the steep cliffs of the sound include little auks, fulmars and guillemots.

Days 16-17: At Sea

As we cruise south, the Denmark Strait is your pathway toward Iceland. Take in a lecture, share your photos, sip an icy cocktail in the bar or watch a movie— there are many things to do during your time at sea. Your Expedition Team will also be on hand to answer any questions and point out wildlife.

Day 18: Depart Reykjavik, Iceland

You’ll disembark in Reykjavik, Iceland’s capital, at the end of your journey. If you have booked post-expedition accommodation, we provide a transfer to a central downtown location.

Ocean Adventurer

Highlights

Search for iconic arctic wildlife, such as polar bears, walrus and reindeer

Explore the wildlife haven of Spitsbergen, the volcanic Jan Mayen and the breathtaking Greenlandic fjord system all in one trip

Visit a remote Inuit community

Cruise in a Zodiac to explore glaciers, icebergs and more

Immerse yourself in the icy realm of the Arctic with optional kayaking adventures

Included

Shipboard accommodation with daily housekeeping

All meals, snacks, soft drinks and juices on board

Beer and house wine during dinner

All shore landings per the daily program

Leadership throughout the voyage by our experienced Expedition Leader

All Zodiac transfers and cruising per the daily program

Formal and informal presentations by our Expedition Team and special guests as scheduled

Photographic journal documenting the expedition

Waterproof expedition boots on loan for shore landings

Expedition parka to keep

Coffee, tea and cocoa available around the clock

Complimentary reusable water bottle

Hair dryer and bathrobe in every cabin

Comprehensive onboard materials, including a map and an informative Arctic Reader

All miscellaneous service taxes and port charges throughout the program

All luggage handling aboard the ship

Transfer from Longyearbyen town center to port on embarkation day

Group transfer to downtown Reykjavik on disembarkation day

Greenland voyages cruise passenger tax

MANDATORY TRANSFER PACKAGE:

Package Cost: $595 per person

One night’s pre-expedition hotel night at Oslo airport hotel

Charter flight from Oslo to Longyearbyen

Arrival transfer in Longyearbyen

Adventure Options

Kayaking: $695

Paddling: $195

PLEASE NOTE: Due to the nature of expedition cruising, itineraries are subject to change due to weather, ice conditions, natural and cultural events, wildlife viewing opportunities and other logistical considerations. In general, a ship's crew will endeavor to complete the itinerary provided, but the ultimate decision lies with the ship's captain and expedition leaders.